Closure structure



May 26, 1953 R. c. PRATT.

CLOSURE STRUCTURE 7 Sheets-Sheet. 1

Filed May 13, 1947 5 M Mma R. C. PRATT CLOSURE STRUCTURE May 26, 1953 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 13, 1947 May 26, 1953 R. c. PRATT 2,539,766

CLOSURE STRUCTURE Filed May 15. 1947 1 '1 Sheets-Sheet s 1F 4 5 |i: 1& i w W A w w Z vv Aw a L 1 y I ZIY i M w M #M a w 4 W 1 x w May 26, 1953 R. c. PRATT CLOSURE STRUCTURE 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed May 15. 1947 May 26, 1953 R. c, PRATT 2,639,766

' CLOSURE STRUCTURE Filed May 13. 1947 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 May26, 1953 R. c. PRATT 5 3 CLOSURE STRUCTURE Filed May 13, 1947 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 Patented May 26, 1953 UNITED STATES PATENT. OFFICE 2,639,766 1 7 oLosUnE s'rnp'prrURE RaymondC. Pratt, Chicago Ill. Application May 13, 1947, Serial No. 747,813

11 Claims. (01. 160-40) This invention relates to closures, and more particularly to that class of closures commonly referred to as Venetian blinds.

While the invention, in various of its features and aspects, has reference to closures generally, and Venetian blinds for various purposes and installations, it has particular reference to Venetian blinds for vehicle use, and like installations, wherein simplicity of operation, resistance to tampering, durability, quietness, and resistance to vibration are matters of particular importance and present problems in the production of a satisfactory blind structure.

It is an object of the invention to provide a closure of the foregoing type, of improved construction and improved operating characteristics.

More specifically stated, it is an object of the invention to provide a closure of the Venetian blind type wherein the bottom bar will be more properly held in parallel position, free from jammine, at all times and regardless of the manner of its manipulation; and wherein improved means are provided for guiding the bottom bar and the slats in their movements, in and to any adjusted position, and for maintaining the parts in such position of adjustment notwithstanding vibration or the like to which the blind structure may be subjected.

A further object of the'invention is to provide a closure structure, of the type defined, which will be smoother and more quiet in operation.

A further object of the invention is to provide a closure structure wherein the operating parts of the mechanism are more effectively sealed against tampering or the like, in various positions of adjustment.

Still further objects of the invention are to provide a closure structure, of the type defined, which can be more readily mounted into position for use, and which incorporates an improved bottom bar, bottom sill, and slat structures.

Various other objects, advantages and features of the invention will be apparent from the following specification when taken in connectionwith the accompanying drawings, wherein certain'preferred' embodiments are set forth for purposes of illustration. I

In the drawings, wherein like reference nu merals refer to like parts throughout:

Fig. 1 is a perspective assembly view of a Venetian blind constructed'in accordance with and embodying the principles of the invention, in accordance with one selected embodiment thereof; Fig. 2 is an enlarged side view of the structure illustrated in Fig. 1, looking from the left side thereof Fig. 3 is a partial horizontal section through the left guide column and associated parts, taken. substantially as indicated by the line 33 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a longitudinal vertical section through the blind, taken substantially as indicated by the line 4-4 of Fig. 2;

Figs. 5 and 6 are transverse vertical sections of the blind structure, taken substantially along the lines 5-5 and 6-6, respectively, of Fig. 4;

Fig. '7 is a composite or exploded perspective view of a part of the slat tilting mechanism;

Fig. 8 is a detail perspective of one of the slat tilting brackets;

Figs. 9 and 1'0 are exploded detail perspective views of one of the bottom bar guide brackets", and associated bottom bar parts; v p Fig. 11- is an exploded detail perspective of a portion of the bottom bar structure; I

' Figs. 12 and l3'are partial horizontal sections, on thescale of Fig. 3, and taken, respectively, as indicated by the lines l2-I2 of Fig. 5 and 13-43 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 14 is an illustrative perspective view of one of the guide columns, illustrating the control mechanism for the bottom bar guide bracket;

Figs. 15 and 16 are illustrative views, diagrammatic in form, further showing the guide bracket control mechanism;

Fig. 1'7 is a perspective view of one of the blind slats;

Fig. 18 is an enlarged exploded perspective, showing the slat end, and its associated end cap and guide member;

" Figs. 19 and 20 are enlarged sectional views of v the slat structure, taken as indicated respectively by the lines l9l9 of Fig. 17 and 20- -20 of Fig. 19;

. jFig. 21 is a detail perspective of one of the slat binding members;

Fig. 22 is a partial view, similar to Fig. 1, but showing a modified form. of slat tilting arrangement;

Fig. 23 is an enlarged detail section of the tilting mechanism of Fig. 22, taken substantially as indicated by the line 23-23 thereof; and

Figs. 24-29 are views illustrating a modified form of bottom bar incorporating holding mechanism selectively releasable upon the shifting of the bottom bar by its handle means, Fig. 24 being an assembly perspective view thereof, Fig. 25 being a transverse sectional view on the line i525 of Fig.26, Fig. 26 being a front sectional view on the line Zia-26 of Fig. 25, Figs. 27 and 28 being detail sections, Fig. 27 being taken on the line 21-2!- of Fig.-28 and Fig, 28 being taken I i i 3 on the line 28-28 of Fig. 27, and Fig. 29 being a detail perspective view of the lock releasing mechanism.

The closure structure herein set forth is of the general type disclosed in my prior Patent No. 2,324,536, dated July 20, 1943.

Referring specifically to the drawings, and first to the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 1-21, the structure illustrated comprises a Venetiaii'blind, generally indicated by the numeral In, Fig. 1, mounted within a self-contained frame structure adapted to be applied as a unit to the structure with which the blind is to be associated; More specifically, the frame comprises a top cross frame I2, a pair of side columns [4 and lfifa fid a bottom sill member l3. Asstated, the frame is adapted for preassembling, and for "scenes tion as a unit to the wall structure of the vehicle or other device with which the blind is to be used. While the sill I8 is herein, for convenience, referred to as a bottom sill, due tothe upright positioning of the particular blin d structure'illustrated, it is to be understood that in vie'w of the positive guiding structures provided, and hereinafter to'be describedythe blind maybe inverted, horizontally disposed, or otherwise mounted inthe desired operating position.

As best shown in Figs. 1,5 and 6, the top eross frame member it is of channelshape, and carries a pair of bearing pedestals 22, Figs. t and 6, adjacent 'its opposite ends. A cross shaft 24 is journalled in the bearing blocksjthe shaft ha'ving'at one end thereof a gear wheel -26 by meansof which the shaft may be rotated. Between the bearing blocks thel'shaft carries a' pair oi tape'support brackets 28, one of which is illustrated in detail in Fig.6. The oppositely disposed Wings of the brackets forxn supports for the slat tapes 3i), Fig. 6, the tape ends being secured thereto by suitable means such as screws 32 and passing downwardly through openings 33 in the frame member :2. The two sets of tapes carry cross bands 34,, Fig. 4, in the usual manner, by whichthe slats 36 are supported i'n uniform spaced relation. It will be noted that the slats lie loosely upon the cross bands so that they maybe removed from the blind structure for cleaning or the like Without removal of the tapes or other operating structuresf Each ofth e side columns i4 and! 6 is similarly formed, the column It being illustrated insection in Figs. 3, 1'2 and 13. A s'shown, it-comprises anouter plate member 38, 'secured'to the endof the channel l2 by a bracket 39, 'Fig. Zfaiid 'to which a pair of angle bars til'and are seiiied by suitable means such as screws" 44 12. Trim plates 38 and 48 are secured to the angle bars to provide a channel for the movementofthe slat bodies. A trim plates!) overlies thefro'nt trim plate 48, to provide a suitable finishing piece 'cooperable'with the wall's'tru-cture 20. y

To effect theos cillatio n of the slat tilting' s h'aft 24, a vertically reciprocable slide plate 52 is providd, the detailed shaping" of WhiCh iS be S t shown in Fig. '7. This slide plate has "rack teeth formedat its iipper-endfor cooperation "with the gear 25. It lies against onew'all'of thea ngle bar it, being held thereagainst by a pulley bracket plate 5%,Fig'. 3, the principal function ofw'liich will be later described. A handle 58 is secured to the slide plate adjacent its lower end by screws 50, Fig. 5, the handle projecting forwardly througha vertical slot 6| in the angle bar 42 and, 1,11izn plate 48 so as to be operable from the 7,

front of 'the structure; The lower endpf the slide plate 52 is bent slightly as indicated at '62 so as to apply a predetermined frictional resistance to movement.

It will be seen that as the handle 58 is raised and lowered, the shaft 24 wil be oscillated to tilt the tapes and slats. The length of the slot BI is such that a 180 arc of movement may be applied to the tape brackets 28, so as to effect a full degree bf movement to'thefslat's for light-tighthess. A trim plate 6d,'"Fig. 5, is secured to the rear wall of the top frame channel 12 so as to provide a light block between the uppermost slat and the lower surface of the frame channel.

The bottom bar of the blind is of composite construction "and consists of a vertically reciprocable lower rectangular portion 66 and a pivotally'mounted semicylindrical portion 68, Fig. 1, associatedand movable therewith. More specifically, the rectangular bar portion comprises a block 18, Fig.6, of. wood orhard-rubber faced with sheet metalplates 12am l4. 7 The block 10 is proi'iid'e'd at its lower portion with a bumper l8 of soft rubber, interlocked with the plates 12 and 74, and adapte'd to be brought into engagement with mean it when the bottom bar'is in its lowermost'position. The block or bottom bar It is provided at its intermediate portion witha handle'tli, Figs. 1 and 6,"held in place by screws 31, bywhich the bottom bar-structure may be conveniently .mani'p'ulated upwardly or down wardly along the side columns, as desired.

The upper pivotally mounted portion of the bottom bar structure more specifically comprises a semic-ylindrical body 82 also preferably of wood or hard rubber, faced-with sheet metal plates as indicated at 84 and 88, Fig. 6. Theplate 86, and its associated holding screwstt serve to connect the-lower ends of the tapes-3i? to the-body 32, so thatthebody will-be oscillated along with the tapes and slats. The lower bottom bar "ill isprovided with aconoave surface as indicated at 96, Fig. 6,-so as to insurelight-tightness in any adjusted position of the upper bar or body 82.

To guide the bottom bar structure along the side-columns-,- a pair of duplicate guide brackets is provided. onegof which is'illustratedindetail in Fig. 9. As shown, the guide bracket comprises a generally elongated inetalbody tt having a pair of plate likeportions 9 and adapted to lie on oppos" e sides of the inturned flanges of the angle bars 45) and $2 and be guided thereby, as-indicated in Fig. 12. A pair-of fiber brake shoes '88 is provided, carried by the guide bracket body and movable therewith, and frictionally engageabl'e with the inturned flanges of the angle bars d9 and 42, 'wherebyto provide'a smooth sliding action for the bottom bar structure, and also to impart a predetermined frictional resistance to movement of the b'ottoin bar so as to hold it in an'y'adjusted positionagainst' vibration or the like. More specifically, and as shown inFig. '9, each brake shoe carries a pinneo engageable within an opening "HiZin the 'g'uide'br'acketbody. A'con'ipi'ession spring I 04, Figflzis mounted within an opening": 16 in the bracket body, theai'rangerheht being such thatthe spring'resmenuy presses the shoes outwardly or away from each other into predetermined "frictional engagement with the inturned flanges of the angle oars. By reason of the engagement of the bracket flange Mend the brake shoes 98 against the angle bar. flanges, a positive guide'structure-forthe slide brackets is provided, coupled with a predeter-mined frictional resistance to movement; for the purpose set fort'n.

To secure the guide brackets to the lower bottom bar II, the brackets are provided with a lug or ear I08, Figs. 9 and 10, adapted to be received within an opening I II] in the end of the bar and held therein by screws III. These screws, and the handle screws 8I, serve to hold the metal plates 72 and I4 firmly against the bottom bar body I0, thus also firmly locking the bumper bar 18 in position.

As best shown in Fig. 11, the upper semicylindrical body 82 of the bottom bar structure is provided at each end with an end plate II2 secured thereto, the end plate having an upstanding portion or lug I I4 adapted to pivotal connection with its associated guide bracket. For this purpose each guide bracket carries a fixed pin II6, the end of which is adapted for pivotal connection with the lug I I4, as shown in Fig. 4. By reason of the connections provided it will be seen that both the upper and the lower portions of the bottom bar structures are carried by the guide brackets, the upper portion comprising the body 82 being pivotally connected thereto, and the lower portion comprising the body being fixed thereto, as pointed out.

Positively operable means is provided for insuring that the guide brackets at the opposite ends of the bottom bar structure will move together and be maintained in proper parallel relationship. This means comprises an elongated cord or the like, specifically a wire cable in the particular embodiment disclosed, interconnecting the guide brackets and so arranged as to cause them to move as a unit and in predetermined relationship at all times. The arrangement is best shown in Fig. 16, wherein it will be seen that one reach of the cable, designated by the numeral H8 is anchored to the guide bracket 92, and thence passes around a pair of lower idler pulleys I20 and H2 associated with the bottom sill structure, and thence around an upper idler pulley I24 associated with the righthand guide column, the other end of the cable being secured to the companion guide bracket 92 associated with the opposite end of the bottom bar. The other reach I24 of the cable is anchored at one end to the guide bracket 82, and thence passes upwardly around an idler pulley I26 associated with the lefthand fram column, around a pair of lower pulleys I28 and I3!) associated with the bottom sill, being anchored at its opposite end to the companion guide bracket 92', as in the case of the cable reach I I8. Obviously the cable may be formed in two reaches, as shown, or into a single endless reach anchored to the guide brackets 92 and 92' at appropriate points intermediate its length. The cable may be anchored to the guide brackets by any suitable means, for example by means of screws I34 as indicated in Figs. 9 and 16.

The mounting for the sill idler pulleys I2ilI 22 and I28I30 is best shown in Figs. 2, 4,5, 13 and I4. An angle bracket I36 Fig. 2, is secured to the outer face plate of each of the side columns at the lower end thereof by screws I38. A shaft I40 outer face thereof by screws I38. A shaft I40 lies in a suitable groove in this bracket, being held therein by notches cut in the lower ends of the angle bars 48 and 42, Fig. 5. The pulleys I20 and I28 are loosely mounted on the shaft I 40 at the lower end of the left guide column, whereas the pulleys I22 and I30 are loosely mounted on the companion shaft I40, Fig. 4, at the lower end-of the righthand guide column.

The mounting for the upper idler pulleys I24 and I26 is best shown in Figs. 2, 3, 4 and 14. The

pulleys are rotatably carried by studs anchored to and extending. from companion brackets 56 and 56 associated, respectively, with the oppositely facing guide columns, the'bracket 56 having been previously referred to as a part of the guide means for the tape tilting side plate 52. I The brackets are adjustably mounted on the columns by means of screws I42 so that the brackets may be vertically adjusted to tension'the cable I I8, I24, and to properly align the bottom bar guide brackets 9292'.

It will be seen that by reason of the cable interconnection between the bottom bar guide brackets, the bottom bar will be properly held in parallel disposition at all times, and will be maintained parallel to the bottom sill, and against jamming or tilting, regardless of where the operating forces are applied thereto as the bottom bar is raised or lowered in the lifting or lowering of the blind. By adjustment of the brackets 56-56, each reach of the cable may be individually tensioned to the proper desired degree, and the ends of the bottom bar brought into proper alignment.

Means is provided for closing the space between the angle bars of the side columns, so as to minimize tampering with the structure, said means also forming part of the structures for guiding the ends of the slats in their movements. These means are the same for each of the guide columns, and are best shown in Figs. 2, 4, 9, 13, 14 and 15. The bottom bar guide brackets carry fixed pins I44 and I44, Figs. 9 and 14, to which elongated metal tapes I46 and I46 are respectively secured. These metal tapes, which may for example be of stainless steel or the like, pass downwardly between the angle bars of the respective side columns, around rollers I48 and I48 loosely mounted upon the shafts I40 and I40, respectively, and thence upwardly along the outer face plates 38 and 38 of the side columns. To receive and co-mate with the tapes, the facing flanges of the side column angle bars are preferably provided with elongated notches as best shown at I50, Fig. 12.

The opposite ends of the tapes are connected by means of screws I52 to brackets I54 and I54, respectively, these brackets being adjustably connected to the ends of wire cables I56 and I56 which pass over idler pulleys I51 and I51 and have their opposite ends looped around the pivot pins I I6 and I I6 of the bottom bar guide bracket structures, previously described. Each of the cables l5B-I56' is comprised of two parallel reaches in predetermined spaced relation, the cable thus forming guide means for the end tips I58 of the slats, as perhaps best shown in Fig. 5.

The pulleys I5'II 51' are mounted upon shafts Hill-I60 carried at the opposite ends of the upper channel frame I2, as best shown in Figs. 4 and 5. The slat tilting slide plate 52 is provided with a cutout or slot IBI, Fig. 7, so as to accommodate the shaft I 60.

The adjustable connection between the cables and the brackets I'M-I54, by which the cables and tapes are properly tensioned, is shown in detail in Fig. 2. It will be seen that the cable ends are anchored to a plate I52 adjustably mounted in respect to its associated bracket by means of a pair of adjustment screws I64. By tightening these screws the tapes and connected slat guide cables I56I5 6 are properly tensioned to perform their respective functions.

It will be seen that by reason of the tapes, the spaces between the angle bars of the guide columns are closed as the bottom bar is raised, so as to provide'an improvement in appearance and also to discourage tampering with the structure. The tapes are drawn between the anglebarsautomatically as'the bottom bar is adjustedand as an incident to its movement. Theconnect'ed guide cables l55l 56' provide asomewhat yieldable yet effective guide means for the end tips I58 of the slats, the guide cables being in elfect'fextended'or rawn downwardly with the bottom bar so as to cooperate with the slat ends in all positions of adjustment.

The frame parts heretofore described such for example as the sidecolu'mns and top frame channel' 12 are preferably of light-weight metal construction, such for example as of aluminum or the like. The lower sill structure, however, is

preferably of composite construction, and as best shown in Figs. 4, 6 and 14, comprises a metal face plate I55 and a body portion I 58 formed primarily of laminated wood and through which the cables I ill-12d are extended. The face plate is 'held to the body by suitable means such as screws Ht, Fig. 6, the body in turn'being anchored to the mturnedilang'es of the brackets lt 6l36'iby[ screws or the like 112, Fig. 4'. -'Ihe'upper surface of the sill body is faced witha sheet 1'13 of alcohol resistant and heat blister-proof plastic. Underlying theplastic sheet llt is a metal sheet lit, in contact therewith, to aid in thedis'sipati'on of heat in the event cigarettes or thelike should be laid upon the upper plastic surface. The sill body is preferably faced on its lower 'surfacewith afsecond plastic sheet, as indicated at H5, Fig.6. The various laminated sheets are held togetherby glue, orother'suitable adhesive, and also by the screws He.

' The foregoing construction provides a sill structure which is orlight-weight, and yet resistant to warping. The top facing sheet I13 of plastic, which may be colored as desired, not only improves the appearance of the structure; but also provides a sill surface which is resistant to alcohol, cigarettes, and the like, so es to maintain the appearance of the sill and increase'the durability of the structure.

The preferred form or .slat structure is illustrated in .Flgsi'i-Zl. Theslat preferably comprises a body portion I16 which may b'eof aluminum :or suitably colored plastic, as desired. The body portion is raced p11 its opposite edges with a pair of binding strips I18, referably of aluminum, which, if the body is iorinedoi plastic, provide a contrasting color combination'therewith. As best shown in Figs. 20 and 21,.the binding strips are provided with barbs l8!) which grip the surfaces of, the body member as the binding strips are crimped into position thereon.

' The slat bodies areprovided with a pair of notches or slits I82, Fig. 18, at eachend thereof forrningan anchorage for the endcap; 181,. preferably of rubber, and whicharefixed.toeachof the slat ends. The end caps are providedwith a I hollow skirt portion I835, the oppositesides .l 88 of which are received within the bodysflotsll 82. The skirt portion 183 is preferably proportioned so that it is stretched slightly as tliefend cap is mounted into position, so as "to provides. firm anchorage andconnectionbetween the parts. .Tliethickness of the skirt is 'als'opreierably such that'when mounted in po ition it provides a slightly greater thickness than the binding stripsfasshownlin Figz ZO, so as to insure rubber to rubber contact when the slatsare brought into superposed position. as will be understood, the en cap's carry the tips 458, previously described, which fit between-the wires orcabi s itt lttfl-tobe guided.

thereby at all times and in all positions of slat adjustment. 7

It will be seen that by reason of the construction described a strong slat structureis provided, of improved'appearance'and which is silent in operation. The end tips I58, being circular, are effectively guided by wires 156-455 in all positions of slat adjustment, slight yieldability of the wires insuring a snug guide surface of maintained tightness even when the blind structure is subjected to vibration.

The structure disclosed thus comprises a closure, specifically or the Venetian blind type, which is light-tight, of improved appearance, and of durable construction. The guiding arrangement for the bottom bar brackets 82-92, and the positive cable interconnection therebetween, insures ease of manipulation and the proper maintenance of the bottom bar in position regardless of the manner in which operating forces are applied thereto. The brake shoes 98 associated with the wide brackets insure that the bottom bar will be maintainedin adjusted position, regardless of vibration or the like to which the blind structure may be subjected. By means of the handle 58 the slats may be conveniently and readily tilted to and maintained in any desired adjusted singularity. The cooperative engagethem between the slats and the guide cables l 56l 56' insuresnoiseless operationas the blind is raised or lowered,.or when subjected to vibrationin use. The stceltapes ltd- MB effectively close the side columnsand provide a substantially imperforate inner wall structure thereon automaticall and as the bottom b-aris raised, so as to discourage any tampering With the mechanism of the unit.

In Fi s. 22 and 23 a modified arrangement is illustrated for eiiecting the operation of the slat tilting shaft 2d. As shown, the shaft in this instance has a worm gear led secured thereto, at approximately the center of the blind structure, cooperable with the worm l92 fixed to shaft it! journalled in the cross channel frame [2. This latter shaft is provided. with a knurled operating kriobltfi, the arrangement thus being such that as the knob is turned corresponding rotation is imparted to the tilting shaft 24. In certain instances the slower operating micrometer adjustment means thus provided may be preferred.

In Figs. 24-29 means is provided in association with the bottom bar structure normally operative to aid in holding the bottom bar in adjusted position, and automatically releasable as the bottom bar is manipulated by its associated handle structure in either direction of movement.

.In Fig. 24- structures are shown generally similar to Fig. l, and corresponding reference numer- 8.15 have been applied.

In this instance the bottom bar 2863, corresponding to the bottom-bar structure 66 previously described, is provided with a handle .202 operable tomanuallyraise and lower the bottom bar, and also tiltable through a predetermined are of travel in connection with its operation, as indicated in Fig. 28, whereby toefiect the control of locking mechanism associated therewith.

The bottom bar may be constructed and arranged for sliding inovement'in a manner generally similar to that previously described and, as shown, the bar comprises amain body block 2% faced with opposite sheet metal plates 206 and 208, and carrying a rubber .bm'nper strip 2 I 0 along its lower edge.

Guidebracketsas indicated at 2I2 and EH are secured to the opposite en'dsof the bottom bar, functioning as previously described in reference to the brackets 92 and 92', and having associated therewith spring pressed friction'guide shoes as indicated at 2M engageable with the angle bars of the side columns as in the case of the previously mentioned brake shoes 98. However, in this instance the guide shoes 2M are resiliently urged into engagement with the side column angle bars with a very light compression, sufiicient only to provide a guiding action between the parts.

To provide means for holding the bottom bar in adjusted position, the bottom bar structure includes a pair of oppositely extending rods or shafts 2H5 and H6, these rods being mounted in the body member 204 and being projected through the guide brackets 212 and 212 and carrying on their outer ends frictionshoes or blocks as indicated at 2l8 and 218a, which are engageable with the plate members 38 and 38' of the side columns when therods 2IB and 2H5 are in outwardly thrust position. The friction shoes M8 and 2&3 lie between the cable reaches 1 l8 and I24 so as not to interfere therewith.

The two rods 2H5 and 2E6 are mounted for reciprocatory movements. relative to the bottom bar body 204, through a limited range of travel, and are maintained against rotation by pins 220, Fig. 27, press fitted into the body 204 and oper-' able within slots 222 providedin the rods.

The inner ends of the rods terminate within a recess or chamber 224 provided in the bottom bar body. A sleeve member 226 having a shape as best shown in Fig. 29 lies within this recess in embracing relation to the ends of the rods. More particularly, the rods 2l6 and 2H5 project into the opposite ends of the sleeve member 226, the rods being provided withpins 228 operable within cam shaped slots 230 in the member 226, as shown. A compression spring 232 bears between collars fixed to the rods, so as to normally urge the rod ends away from each other. The cam slots 230 are so shaped that upon rotation of the sleeve member 226 in either direction from its central position shown, the rod ends are drawn toward each other against the action of the compression spring. I

To effect the controlled movement of the sleeve member 226, the forwardly projecting flange portion 234 thereof is secured by means of screws 236 to the manually operable handle member 202. The opening in the plate member 208 through which the handle 202 projects limits the rotatable movements of the sleeve 226 to the range indicated by the dotted lines in Fig. 28.

In operation, normally the compression spring 232 holds the friction shoes 2H8 and 218' firmly in engagement with the plates 38 and 38 respectively of the guide columns, whereby to maintain the bottom bar in adjusted position, resistant to vibration or other inadvertent forces tending to move the bottom bar from adjusted position. To raise the bottom bar the operator pushes upwardly on the handle 202 causing it to move to the dotted line position indicated at 20211. in Fig. 28. This initial movement of the handle draws the friction shoes 2l8-2l8 inwardly against the action of the compression spring, and as the bottom bar is thus released for movement, the continued application of upward force on the handle causes the bottom bar to move upwardly as long as the force is applied. Immediately as the handle is released it moves to its central full line position, as shown in Fig. 28, whereby to hold the bottom bar firmly in the new position of adjustment. Similar operation takes place in effecting the lowering of the bottom bar, the operator merely being required to press downwardly upon the handle which first moves to the dotted line position 202b, Fig. 28, releasing the bottom bar so that continued downward pressure upon the handle moves thebar to the desired lowered position.

As will be understood, in the event it is desired to positively lock theoperating bar in predetermined positions, the plates 38 and 38 may be provided with depressions or holes for receiving the shoes 2l82l8' at such predetermined stations along the path of travel of the bar.

It is obvious that various changes may be made in the specific embodiments set forth without departing from the spirit of the invention. The invention is accordingly not to be limited to the specific embodiments shown and described, but only as indicated in the following claims.

The invention is hereby claimed as follows:

1. A closure structure comprising an operating member adapted to be drawn across an opening to be closed,- said operating member being shiftv able in opposite directions along a predetermined path of travel, a frame structure, said frame;

structure including a guide. column having a channel for guiding the operating member in its movements, and closure means for the channel comprising an elongated metal tape, said channel and tapehaving interengaging portions for precluding lateral movement of the tape when within the channel.

2. A closure structure comprising a plurality of aligned closure members adapted to be shifted across an opening to be closed, an operating bar for controlling the shifting of said closure members, said operating bar being shiftable in opposite directions along a predetermined path of travel, a frame structure, said frame structure including a guide column having a channel for guiding the operating bar in its movements, a

closure tape for the channel, and guide means including a pair of elongated flexible members in parallel spaced relation for guiding the aligned closure members, said tape. and elongated flexible members being connected to and operable with the operating bar.

3. A closure structure comprising an operating member adapted to be drawn across an opening to be closed, said operating member being shiftable in opposite directions along a predetermined path of travel, a frame structure, said frame structure including a pair of guide columns provided with channels for guiding the operating member in its movements, means comprising an elongated filament interconnecting the opposite ends of the operating member for concomitant movement, and means comprising a widened tape member connected to the operating member for closing said channels as the operating member is shifted.

4. A closure structure comprising an operating member adapted to be drawn across an opening to be closed, said operating member being shiftable in opposite directions along a predetermined path of travel, a frame structure, said frame structure including a pair of guide columns provided with channels for guiding the operating member in its movements, means comprising an elongated flexible member interconnecting the opposite ends of said operating member for concomitant movement, and means comprising a second elongated flexible member for closing said channels as the operating member is shifted.

5. A closure structure comprising a plurality of aligned closure members adapted to .be shifted across an opening to be closed, an operating. bar for controlling the shifting of said closure members, said operating bar being shiftable in opposite directions along a predetermined path of travel, means interconnecting the opposite ends of said operating bar for concomitant movement, andmeans comprising a pair of parallelspaced filaments connected to and operable with the operating bar for guiding the ends of said closure.

predetermined spacedrelation for slidably en}?v gaging said guide portions and connected to and shifted as a unit by movement of the operating bar.

7. A closure structure comprising a plurality of aligned closure members adapted to be shifted across an opening to be closed, an operating bar for controlling the shifting of said closure niern loers, said operating bar being shiftable in opposite directions along a predetermined pathv of travel, a frame structure, said frame structure including a guide column having a channel for guiding the operating bar in its movements, closure means for the channel including a tape traversing the hannel opening, and guide means for the aligned closure members, said closure means and guide means being connected to and actuated by the operating bar. I p

8. A closure structure comprising an operating member shiftable in opposite directions alonga predetermined path of travel, a frame structure including a guide column with an open channel for guiding the operating member, an operated closure device connected to said operating memher and adapted to be drawn thereby across an 12 penin t e l ed; e tn'nel ng means 0 n'ecfie o. an er ina a a d operating m mbar and adapted to traverse the channel opening toclose the same, said operated closure device and said-channel closing means extending in opposite directions from said operating member to efiect progressively increased closing of the channel opening as the operated closure device is shifted toward open positiomandvice versa.

' 9; A closure structure as claimed in claim 8, wherein the operated closure device includes multiple closure members and wherein guide means including flexible elements, iqr the ends of said closure members are connected to said operating member and. project therefrom in a direction opposite to thato'f the channel closing means.

.10, A closure structureas claimed in claim 8, wherein the channel closing means includes a flexible tape traversingthe channel opening.

, l1. A closurestruc ture as claimed in claim 8, wherein there is provided flexible means inter connecting the ends of said operating member for concomitant movement.

RAYMOND C. PRATT.

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